. >>> in less than 24 hours there will be the first presidential debate. the two candidates have spent considerable time on tactics and strategy. a new poll shows where the candidates stand with the voters. >> reporter: president obama leads mitt romney by 18 points among likely women voters and has a four had been point lead in an overall match-up, but romney is ahead with independents and more think he can best handle the deficit. according to a new quinnipiac poll coming out one day before the first debate. >> i'm delighted we'll have three debates. it will be a conversation with the american people that will span almost an entire month. we'll get to describe our respective views. >> reporter: the debate stage is nearly set at university of denver as both candidates work on final prep for the first match-up that focuses on domestic policies. romney is practicing at his colorado hotel, but he's been doing mock debates for weeks with ohio senator rob portman standing in as the president. >> i think romney has to throw the president off stride and get unde